Iowa Code r. 567-137.4 - Background standards

(1) Purpose. This rule defines the basis and procedure for establishing background standards in groundwater, soil, surface water, and air. Background standards represent concentrations of contaminants that are naturally occurring or generally present and not related to a readily identifiable release. Background standards provide a baseline for assessing impacts of contaminant releases from within the affected area.

(2) Determination of background standards. Background standards shall be based on sampling at appropriate site-specific background locations. Background sampling locations shall be outside the influence of any possible contamination associated with releases occurring on the property in which the enrolled site is located. Sufficient supporting information shall be provided to demonstrate the appropriateness of background sampling locations. Appropriateness for background sampling locations has two aspects which shall be addressed:

a. Background samples shall be collected from a location which represents a true background condition with respect to the enrolled site. For example, a background groundwater sample will be collected from an upgradient location relative to groundwater movement.

b. Background samples will represent conditions which are comparable to the contaminated media being addressed. In the case of soils, samples from the affected area and the background areas will be comparable in physical, chemical, and biological attributes.

Sampling conducted for the purpose of establishing a background standard shall meet quality criteria specified for the site assessment, rule 137.8(455H). The minimum number of samples to be collected from the medium of concern for which a background standard is being established shall be consistent with rule 137.10(455H), regarding demonstration of compliance.

Notes

Iowa Code r. 567-137.4